Maurice Whelan

ON THE afternoon of March 11 1597, Dublin experienced one of the most devastating accidents in the history of the city. A huge quantity of gunpowder—being stored beside the River Liffey—suddenly exploded with enormous force. The blast killed 126 people, destroyed or severely damaged dozens of houses and the shockwave of the blast even damaged the tower and cracked the medieval bells of nearby Christchurch Cathedral.

STANDING proudly on the north side of St Stephen’s Green, the Shelbourne Hotel is one of Dublin’s most famous landmarks. For more than two centuries, its elegant rooms and corridors have witnessed political upheaval, revolution, romance and social change.

KEEPING on the theme of 18th century rogues, perched atop Montpelier Hill in the Dublin Mountains, the Hellfire Club is one of Ireland’s most famous historic ruins.